Roller skating is a carefree and fun activity that is perfect for anyone. For beginners, learning how to skate isn’t overly difficult, but the most common struggle involves learning how to stop. If you have never roller skated before, or you are an inline skater who is giving quad skating a try, learning how to brake will be new, but less difficult than you might think. The following tutorial will go through the steps you should take to brake on your roller skates. This will give you an increased comfort and confidence level when on your skates.

Step 1: Preparation

Step one of the braking process for roller skaters involves preparing your body. What is meant by this is that you must put your body into the proper position. Putting yourself into the proper braking position begins with bending your knees slightly and determining the leg that you will be braking with. Unlike an inline skate where the brake is typically only on one skate, you have the option to brake with either skate when rollerskating. Most people will brake with their dominant foot (which is usually the same as their dominant hand), but if you are more comfortable braking with your non-dominant foot, you have the luxury of doing so.

Bending your knees is an all important step because it lowers your center of gravity, making it easier to brake at any speed. In addition to bending your knees you need to position your skates parallel to each other, situated approximately 2 inches apart. Bring your arms up and extend them outward to make a T-shape. Doing this will provide you with the appropriate balance for the succeeding steps in which you will apply the actual brake.

Step 2: Shifting Weight

The next step in the braking process involves shifting all of your weight to the non-dominant foot. Unlike an inline skate brake design, you will be using a toe stop for rollerskating. Remember, the skate that you choose to brake with us up to you and does not have to match your dominant hand, although it does in most cases.

Step 3: Applying the Brake

The third, and most important step, is the application of the brake. With your skates positioned parallel to each other and the weight on your non-dominant skate, continue coasting on your non-dominant skate while raising the heel the skate you will brake with. Lifting your heel will force your toe downward and create contact between the toe stop and the skating surface. As you begin to feel the toe stop come in contact with surface, apply pressure gradually at first and harder until you coast to a complete stop or the lowered speed that you desire. You should note that it is extremely important to remain in balance when braking. Performing the steps as outline above should insure that you will remain balanced each time.

Step 4: Practice

As the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Make sure that you practice the preceding steps to become experienced and confident with your skating and braking ability. Practice braking at different speeds, including situations where you may have to stop quickly. Once you feel comfortable stopping with your dominant foot, it is a good idea to practice braking with your non-dominant foot in order to become a more well-rounded skater.